SIMBANG GABI

The Catholics in the Philippines celebrated the Simbang Gabi for over 600 years.

It is called “Simbang Gabi”, which means Night Mass, with nine days of dawn masses from
December 16 to December 24.

Simbang Gabi is a way of walking with Mary in prayer during the nine months of her
pregnancy.

This Simbang gabi began so that those who work at dawn such as the fishermen and
farmers, could attend the Christmas Novena Masses.

It is also called “Misa de Gallo”, the Spanish term for Mass of the Rooster because the
rooster crow when the families or individuals left home to come to church as the sun
rose.

https://aleteia.org/2016/12/21/3-roads-to-christmas-monastic-mexican-and-filipino-
customs/

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The Universal Church lit the fourth and last purple candle of the Advent Wreath.

The theme for the Fourth Sunday of Advent is Love.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent reminds everyone of the unconditional and selfless love of
God for humanity.

https://www.catholic.sg/preparing-our-hearts-for-jesus-coming/

FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

On the Fourth Week of Advent, how can I be a Missionary of Love nowadays?

“Let us do as Mary did: let us look around and look for someone to whom we can be of help!...
By helping others, we help ourselves rise up again from difficulties.”

-Pope Francis, 4th Sunday of Advent 2021-

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2021/documents/papa-
francesco_angelus_20211219.html